Layout square

ABSTRACT

A framing layout square device for use by carpenters involved in locating spaced structural members for the framework of a building structure. The device has an elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member having at least one straight edge for positioning contact with a structural member of a building framework. A plurality of transverse layout members project from one side said elongate positioning and measuring member beyond the straight edge and are located in spaced relation with one another. Each of the transverse layout members have at least one straight layout edge oriented in 90° relation with the straight edge of the positioning and measuring member, with the straight layout edges of the transverse layout members being parallel for defining equally spaced marking edges for marking the spaced locations of the structural members of a building framework. The transverse layout members may be fixed to the positioning and measuring member or may be movable to a storage position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Applicant hereby claims the priority in and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/283,824, filed by Paul Connor on Apr. 13,2001 and entitled “Layout Square”, which Provisional Application isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention generally concerns apparatus for use by carpentersand other such workers in the building industry and particularly bycarpenters during the framing of a building structure. Moreparticularly, the present invention concerns a layout square devicewhich enables carpenters engaged in framing building structures toquickly, accurately and efficiently identify and mark the locations offraming components such as studs, rafters and joists, without thetypical necessity for using tape measures and other measuring devicesfor location and marking of such framing components.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] When building structures are framed, workers of a framing crewtypically use measuring devices, such as a tape measure to identify thelocations of framing members such as wall studs, floor and ceilingjoists, roof rafters and the line. Typically, a worker will mark a small“V” on a sill or other structural member to identify the intended centerof other structural members to be attached. The carpenter will then usea conventional square tool and mark a line that is squared to the sill.At times the carpenter will also measure and mark a line that isintended to be a guideline for location of the outer surface to astructural member. Later, the carpenter will align a wall stud or otherstructural member to the line scribed on the sill and will secure thewall stud in place, using nails or other suitable fasteners. Thus, thecarpenter must individually measure and mark location lines for eachstructural member. This is a time consuming task which adds to the costof the building structure. It is desirable therefore to provide meansfor efficiently locating framing members of a building structure withoutthe necessity for time-consuming measuring, squaring and marking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a principal feature of the present invention to provide anovel framing layout square device for use by carpenters to enableefficient and accurate spacing layout of framing structural members,such as the vertical studs and horizontal floor and ceiling joists of abuilding framework, without necessitating the time consuming and laborintensive use of tape measures and other measuring devices.

[0007] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a novelframing layout square device that enables carpenters to quickly andefficiently make evenly spaced and squared positioning marks on certainrectangular structural members of a building framework to thusefficiently facilitate accurate positioning of other framework membersin functional relation therewith, and without necessitating the use oftape measures and carpentry squares to accomplish such accurateframework member positioning.

[0008] Briefly, the various objects and features of the presentinvention are realized by framing layout square device for use bycarpenters involved in locating spaced structural members for theframework of a building structure. The layout square device has anelongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member havingat least one straight positioning edge for positioning contact with arectangular structural member, such as a 2″×4″ joist of a buildingframework. A plurality of transverse layout members project from oneside said elongate positioning and measuring member beyond the straightpositioning edge and are located in spaced relation with one another,with their spacing defining the intended spacing of building frameworkmembers, such as wall studs and floor and ceiling joists. Each of thetransverse layout members have at least one straight layout edgeoriented in 90° relation with the straight positioning edge of thepositioning and measuring member, with the straight layout edges of thetransverse layout members being parallel for defining equally spacedmarking edges for marking the spaced locations of the structural membersof a building framework. The transverse layout members may be fixed tothe positioning and measuring member, such as by screws, rivets or bywelding or may be movable to a storage position. If moveable, thetransverse layout members may be removable from connection receptaclesof the elongate positioning and measuring member or the transverselayout members may be pivotally connected with the elongate positioningand measuring member. If pivotally mounted for pivotal movement from a“use” position to a “storage” position, a positioning lock mechanism maybe provided to lock the transverse layout members in precisely 90°orientation with respect to the straight positioning edge of theelongate positioning and measuring member. The locking mechanism mayalso retain the transverse layout members in the folded or storagepositions thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] So that the manner in which the above recited features,advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can beunderstood in detail, a more particular description of the invention,briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the preferredembodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, whichdrawings are incorporated as a part hereof.

[0010] It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings illustrateonly a typical embodiment of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

IN THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a framing layout square deviceconstructed according to the principles of the present invention andbeing designed for layout of framing members of a building structurewith face-to-face spacing of the framing members on 19 {fraction (3/16)}inch centers;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the framing layout square ofFIG. 1, showing indicia for measuring and showing connection oftransverse stud, joist or rafter locating and squaring members to aprimary orienting beam member thereof;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a partial end view showing the framing layout square ofFIGS. 1 and 2 in measuring and squaring relation with a sill or capmember of a building structure;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a framing layout square deviceconstructed according to the principles of the present invention andbeing designed for layout of framing members of a building structurewith 16 inch face-to-face spacing of the framing members;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a framing layout square deviceconstructed according to the principles of the present invention andbeing designed for layout of framing members of a building structurewith 24 inch face-to-face spacing of the framing members;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a framing layout squaredevice constructed according to the principles of the present invention,showing fixed connection of the elongate positioning and measuringmember and transverse layout members thereof by countersunk rivetconnection;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of a framing layout squaredevice constructed according to the principles of the present invention,showing fixed connection of the elongate positioning and measuringmember and transverse layout members thereof by welded connection;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a framing layout squaredevice constructed according to the principles of the present invention,showing fixed connection of the elongate positioning and measuringmember and transverse layout members thereof by means of pop rivets;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of an alternativeembodiment of the framing layout square device of the present invention,showing an elongate positioning and measuring member and transverselayout members that are integrally formed, such as by forging or moldingof various metal or non-metal, i.e., polymer materials;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, with parts thereof broken away and shown in section andfurther illustrating removable transverse layout and squaring members tofacilitate efficient storage when not in use and showing selectivepositioning of the removable transverse layout and squaring members tofacilitate adaptation of the tool for differing stud spacing;

[0021]FIG. 11 is an elevational view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10and illustrating the location of receptacles for receiving the removableremovable transverse layout and squaring members;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a plan view of a further alternative embodiment of thepresent invention illustrating removable transverse layout and squaringmembers to facilitate efficient storage when not in use and showingselective positioning of the removable transverse layout and squaringmembers to facilitate adaptation of the tool for differing stud spacing;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a partial plan view of another alternative embodimentof the present invention incorporating a plurality of transverse layoutand squaring members that are pivotally mounted to an elongatepositioning and measuring member, permitting the transverse layout andsquaring members to be pivoted between a use position and a storageposition and incorporating a locking mechanism for locking thetransverse layout and squaring members at the use positions thereof;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a partial elevational and sectional view taken alongline 14-14 of FIG. 13, illustrating the pivot and locking mechanismthereof in greater detail;

[0025]FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and14, showing a transverse layout and squaring member pivoted to thestorage position thereof; and

[0026]FIG. 16 is an elevational view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15and further showing details of the pivot and locking mechanism, with theelongate layout and squaring member in the storage position of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0027] Referring now to the drawings and first to FIGS. 1-3, a framinglayout square device constructed according to the principles of thepresent invention is shown generally at 10 and includes an elongatepositioning and measuring member 12 which may be provided with indiciafor use in measuring. Since the framing layout square device is intendedto be rapidly and efficiently utilized as a layout tool, it may beprovided without measuring indicia because measuring will beautomatically done as the framing layout square device is used. Theelongate positioning and measuring member 12 is preferably of generallyrectangular cross-section, being defined by a length of metal stripmaterial having substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces 14 and 16respectively and parallel edge surfaces 18 and 20 as shown in FIGS. 2and 3. Virtually any type of metal strip material may be utilized, suchas aluminum, steel. Other non-metal materials such as suitable plasticmaterials may also be used. Preferably, because of its light weight andresistance to rusting, aluminum strip material is considered preferablefor construction of the elongate positioning and measuring member 12 Thelength of the elongate positioning and measuring member 12 is determinedby the desired number of transverse layout members that are intended. Asshown in FIG. 1, the framing layout square device 10 includes fourtransverse layout members 22, 24, 26 and 28, with transverse layoutmembers 22 and 28 being fixed to respective ends of the elongatepositioning and measuring member 12 and transverse layout members 24 and26 having ends thereof fixed to intermediate portions of elongatepositioning and measuring member 12. The transverse layout members arearranged such that their respective side edges are equally spaced asshown.

[0028] The transverse layout members are preferably constructed of thesame or similar strip material as the elongate positioning and measuringmember 12. It has been determined that aluminum alloy strip materialhaving a width of 2″ and a thickness of ¼″ can be efficiently used todefine the elongate positioning and measuring member 12. Aluminum alloystrip material having a width of 1½″ and a thickness of ¼″ has beendetermined suitable for construction of the transverse lay out andsquaring members 22-28. The transverse layout members are preferably ofgenerally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, defining top andbottom, generally parallel surfaces 30 and 32 respectively and definingparallel side edges 34 and 36 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0029] The transverse layout members are arranged at precise rightangles to the elongate positioning and measuring member 12 so that oneof the side edges thereof can be used as a guide for marking theposition of a wall stud, floor or ceiling joist, roof rafter or thelike. The transverse layout members are secured to the elongatepositioning and measuring member 12 by rivets 38, preferably flushrivets, screws, by welding or by any other suitable means securing thetransverse layout members in immovable and precisely oriented relationat 90° with respect to the elongate positioning and measuring member 12.This 90° angle provides the tool with a squaring capability, so thatmarks on the lumber or other building material will be squared withrespect to the building material. Studs, joists, rafters and the likewhich are positioned with their side surfaces in alignment with theseprecisely oriented marks, will be located in squared relation asdesired. The transverse layout members may be integrally formed with theelongate positioning and measuring member 12 if desired.

[0030] It should be noted that ends of the transverse layout members22-28 are arranged in overlapped relation with the elongate positioningand measuring member 12, as is evident from FIGS. 2 and 3. Because ofthis overlapped relation, with the bottom surfaces of the transverselayout members lying in face-to-face relation with the upper surface 40of the sill or other lumber member 42, the side edge 20 of the elongatepositioning and measuring member 12 is used as a locating or positioningedge. The side edge 20 is positioned in engagement with a side surface44 of the sill 42, thus orienting the side edges of all of thetransverse layout member in 90°, i.e., squared relation with the sidesurface 44 of the sill. With the layout square device properlypositioned with respect to a corner of the building structure or the endof a sill or other structural member of the building structure, squaredlayout lines are scribed on the sill by running a marking or scribingdevice along one or both edges of the transverse layout members as aguide. Wall studs, floor and ceiling joists, rafters and the linepositioned with one of the side edges thereof in registry with thescribed marks, will be properly spaced and will be precisely squared soas to produce a quality framing structure, without the time, labor andexpense of individually measuring and laying out the various spacedpositioning lines that are needed for quality construction. Thus,without specifically taking measurements, the layout square tool of thepresent invention permit precise spacing and orientation of wall studs,floor joists and ceiling joists and permits panels of wallboard, plywoodand the line to be properly positioned in relation to frame members ofthe building structure, so that efficient and secure fastening thereofto the framework for defining walls, ceilings and the like. The framinglayout square device thus minimizes the time and cost that is involvedin framing a building structure and permits quality buildings to beconstructed at minimum cost.

[0031]FIG. 4 Illustrates a framing layout square device constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention and being arrangedfor location and squaring of framing members at 16″ centers. Otherwise,the construction and use of the framing layout square of FIG. 4 isessentially identical with respect to the framing layout square deviceshown in FIG. 1.

[0032]FIG. 5 Illustrates a framing layout square device constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention and being arrangedfor location and squaring of framing members at 24″ centers. Otherwise,the construction and use of the framing layout square of FIG. 5 isessentially identical with respect to the framing layout square deviceshown in FIG. 1.

[0033] As is evident from FIGS. 6-9, the transverse layout members maybe secured to the elongate positioning and measuring member in any of anumber of desirable ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the elongatepositioning and measuring member 12 and the transverse layout member 24are secured in fixed assembly by a plurality of rivets 46. To ensurethat the rivets do not project beyond the planar surfaces 16 and 30,countersinks 48 and 50 are defined, respectively, in the elongatepositioning and measuring member 12 and the transverse layout member 24.The countersink 50 is of tapered configuration to receive the taperedhead 52 of the rivet. The countersink 48 is straight walled, with a flatbottom surface to permit a rivet deforming tool to enter the countersinkand deform the end of the rivet and thus secure the elongate positioningand measuring member 12 and the transverse layout member 24 in fixedassembly. Typically, a number of rivets will be employed for securingeach of the transverse layout members to the elongate positioning andmeasuring member, so that the resulting framing layout square willwithstand significant impacts during use, without the transverse layoutmembers becoming misaligned.

[0034] According to FIG. 7, the elongate positioning and measuringmember 12 and the transverse layout member 24 are maintained inprecisely aligned and fixed assembly by welding, as shown at 54 and 56.According to FIG. 8, the elongate positioning and measuring member 12and the transverse layout member 24 are secured in fixed assembly bymeans of pop rivets 58 which extend through registering apertures. Inthis case, the rivet heads 60 and 62 will project beyond the planarsurfaces 16 and 36 as shown, unless countersinks are provided as shownin FIG. 6. The rigid relationship of the elongate positioning andmeasuring member 12 and the transverse layout member 24 is accomplishedwhen the framing layout and measuring square device is an integralmolded unit as shown in FIG. 9, being molded of metal, such as aluminumalloy or any of a number of non-metal materials, such as a polymer.Also, if desired, the elongate positioning and measuring member 12 maybe composed of a metal material such as steel, aluminum alloy, bronze,etc. and the transverse layout members may be molded units, being moldedof aluminum alloy, a polymer or any of a number of other suitablematerials.

[0035] It is deemed necessary that there be a rigid assembly of thetransverse layout members to the elongate positioning and measuringmember of the framing layout square device of the present invention orthat the transverse layout members, if moveable relative to the elongatepositioning and measuring member, be capable of stable, essentiallyimmovable location in precisely 90° relation with the elongatepositioning and measuring member. According to FIGS. 10 and 11, aframing layout square device representing an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention is shown generally at 64, having an elongatepositioning and measuring member 66 defining a plurality of taperedreceptacles 68 that are disposed in spaced relation and are locatedsubstantially centrally between the upper and lower planar surfaces 70and 72 of the elongate positioning and measuring member 66. A pluralityof transverse layout members 74 are provided, each having a tapered end76 being receivable in tight fitting relation with a tapered receptacle68 and establishing a substantially immovable, precisely 90°orientedrelation of the transverse layout members with the elongate positioningand measuring member 66. The receptacles 68 are spaced in a manner thata worker may selectively located the transverse layout members 74 forany of several typical stud spacings, thus adapting the tool for thestud spacing that is desired for the building structure. For example,the embodiment of FIG. 12 shows tapered receptacles that are arranged topermit the framing layout square device to be easily adapted for twodiffering stud spacing arrangements simply by strategically locating thetransverse layout members 74 for desired stud spacing.

[0036] Since the tapered ends of the transverse layout members cannot beeasily pulled from their receptacles, because of the wedged relationshipthat is established during assembly, the elongate positioning andmeasuring member 66 defines a recess 78 at each of the taperedreceptacles 68, thus exposing a portion of the ends of the transverselayout members when the transverse layout members are fully seated asshown in FIG. 10. To then remove the transverse layout members fromtheir tapered receptacles, such as for efficient storage ortransportation of the framing layout square device, a worker can use ahammer, such as a soft faced mallet, to unseat the tapered ends of thetransverse layout members from their tapered receptacles.

[0037] With reference now to FIGS. 13-16, it should be borne in mindthat the transverse layout members may be pivotally connected with theelongate positioning and measuring member to thus permit the transverselayout members to be pivotally moveable from a “use” position, where thetransverse layout members are disposed in 90°, substantially immovablerelation with the elongate positioning and measuring member as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, and a “storage” position, where the transverse layoutmembers are disposed in overlying relations along portions of the lengthof the elongate positioning and measuring member as shown in FIGS. 15and 16. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16 a “folding” framinglayout square device is shown generally at 80 and incorporates anelongate positioning and measuring member 82 having upper and lowergenerally planar surfaces 84 and 86 that are disposed in substantiallyparallel relation. The elongate positioning and measuring member 82 canbe composed of metal strip material such as steel, aluminum alloy,bronze or the like, or may be composed of any of a number of suitablepolymer materials. A plurality of transverse layout members 88 are eachconnected in pivotal relation with the elongate positioning andmeasuring member 82 by means of pivot elements 90 which may be definedby a rivet member extending through registering apertures in theelongate positioning and measuring member 82 and the transverse layoutmembers 88. The pivot elements thus secure the transverse layout members88 in pivotal relation with the elongate positioning and measuringmember 82 and permit their pivotal movement from a “use” position, wherethe transverse layout members are disposed in 90°, substantiallyimmovable relation with the elongate positioning and measuring member asshown in FIGS. 13 and 14, and a “storage” position, where the transverselayout members are disposed in overlying relations along portions of thelength of the elongate positioning and measuring member as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16. As mentioned above, it is necessary that, in the useposition of FIGS. 13 and 14, the transverse layout members besubstantially immovable with respect to the elongate positioning andmeasuring member and that the transverse layout members are capable ofremaining precisely oriented at 90° relation with respect to theelongate positioning and measuring member, for accurate stud locationeven when the tool is subjected to substantial jarring or impactingother objects during its use on a job site. To accomplish this feature,a positioning block 92 is fixed to the upper surface 84 of the elongatepositioning and measuring member 82 and defines a stop shoulder 94. Aportion of the transverse layout member 88 is cut away to defined anarcuate guide surface 96 and to define a positioning shoulder 98 that isdisposed for movement limiting contact with the stop shoulder 94 whenthe transverse layout member 88 has attained precisely 90° positioningwith respect to the elongate positioning and measuring member 82. Tolock or retain the transverse layout member 88 at its use position, asshown in FIG. 13, a spring-like lock finger 100 is integral with theelongate positioning and measuring member 82 and defines a lockingshoulder 102 that, in the locking condition of the device or tool,engages a shoulder 104 which is defined by a portion of a side edge 106.To release this locking relationship, the user of the device will simplyapply manual force to the lock finger, flexing it downwardly from theFIG. 14 position sufficiently to move the locking shoulder 102 clear ofthe shoulder 104. When so unlocked, the transverse layout member 88 canbe rotated about its pivot 90 until it is aligned with the elongatepositioning and measuring member 82 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Tomaintain the transverse layout member 88 in its folded or storageposition with respect to the elongate positioning and measuring member82, a retainer recess 108 is defined in the transverse layout member asshown, which receives an annular surface projection 110 of the lockingfinger 100 as is evident from FIG. 16. The a retainer recess 108 isdefined in the transverse layout member as shown, which receives anannular surface projection 110 provides sufficient retention capabilityto secure the transverse layout member 88 in its folded or storageposition. When use of the tool is needed, the user will simply applysufficient manual rotational force to the transverse layout member 88 topivot it from its folded or storage position to its use position, withlocking by the spring-like locking finger 100 occurring when thetransverse layout member 88 has reached its use position of FIG. 13.This feature permits the tool to be folded to a narrow elongateconfiguration for storage or transportation and to be manuallyconditioned simply and efficiently for use.

[0038] In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present inventionis one well adapted to attain all of the objects and featureshereinabove set forth, together with other objects and features whichare inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0039] As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, thepresent invention may easily be produced in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The presentembodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative andnot restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by theclaims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which comewithin the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are thereforeintended to be embraced therein.

I claim:
 1. A framing layout square device for use by carpentersinvolved in locating spaced structural members for the framework of abuilding structure, comprising: an elongate substantially straightpositioning and measuring member having at least one straight edge forpositioning contact with a structural member of a building framework;and a plurality of transverse layout members projecting from one sidesaid elongate positioning and measuring member beyond said straight edgeand being located in spaced relation with one another, each of saidplurality of transverse layout members having at least one straightlayout edge oriented in 90° relation with said at least one straightedge, said straight layout edges of said transverse layout members beingdisposed in parallel relation and defining equally spaced marking edgesfor marking the spaced locations of the structural members of a buildingframework.
 2. The framing layout square device of claim 1, comprising:said elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring memberhaving substantially planar top and bottom surfaces being disposed insubstantially parallel relation; and said plurality of transverse layoutmembers each having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces, withportions of said planar bottom surfaces thereof being disposed inface-to-face relation with portions of said planar top surfaces of saidelongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member.
 3. Theframing layout square device of claim 1, comprising: said plurality oftransverse layout members being located above said at least one straightedge, such that with said at least one straight edge in contact with arectangular structural member of a building framework said plurality oftransverse layout members lie in face-to-face relation on a planarsurface of the rectangular structural member.
 4. The framing layoutsquare device of claim 1, comprising: said plurality of transverselayout members being fixed to said elongate substantially straightpositioning and measuring member with said at least one straight layoutedge oriented in 90° relation with said at least one straight edge. 5.The framing layout square device of claim 4, comprising: a plurality ofrivets fixing said transverse layout members being fixed to saidelongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member.
 6. Theframing layout square device of claim 5, comprising: said transverselayout members and to said elongate substantially straight positioningand measuring member each defining a plurality of countersinks; and saidplurality of rivets each having heads located within said plurality ofcountersinks so the heads of said plurality of rivets do not projectbeyond said transverse layout members and said elongate substantiallystraight positioning and measuring member.
 7. The framing layout squaredevice of claim 4, comprising: a plurality of pop-rivets fixing saidtransverse layout members being fixed to said elongate substantiallystraight positioning and measuring member.
 8. The framing layout squaredevice of claim 4, comprising: weld connections fixing said transverselayout members to said elongate substantially straight positioning andmeasuring member.
 9. The framing layout square device of claim 1,comprising: pivots connecting each of said transverse layout members tosaid elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring memberand permitting pivotal movement of said transverse layout membersbetween a use positions oriented in substantially normal relation withsaid elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring memberand storage positions oriented in substantial alignment with saidelongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member. 10.The framing layout square device of claim 9, comprising: firstpositioning elements being defined by said elongate substantiallystraight positioning and measuring member; and second positioningelements being defined by each of said transverse layout members andbeing in contact with said first positioning element for locating saidtransverse layout members with said at least one straight layout edgeoriented in 90° angular relation with said at least one straight edge.11. The framing layout square device of claim 9, comprising: a firstlocking mechanism releasably securing each of said transverse layoutmembers in substantially immovable relation with said elongatesubstantially straight positioning and measuring member with saidstraight layout edges of said transverse layout members oriented in 90°angular relation with said straight edge of said elongate substantiallystraight positioning and measuring member.
 12. The framing layout squaredevice of claim 11, comprising: a second locking mechanism releasablysecuring each of said transverse layout members in substantially alignedrelation with said elongate substantially straight positioning andmeasuring member to permit ease and simplicity of storage andtransportation of said framing layout square device when not in use. 13.A framing layout square device for use by carpenters involved inlocating spaced structural members for the framework of a buildingstructure, comprising: an elongate substantially straight positioningand measuring member of predetermined length and having planar top andbottom surfaces and a straight positioning edge extending along thelength thereof for positioning contact with a rectangular structuralmember of a building framework; and a plurality of transverse layoutmembers each having top and bottom surfaces and each being fixed to saidelongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member withsaid bottom surfaces thereof, said plurality of transverse layoutmembers projecting from one side said elongate positioning and measuringmember beyond said straight edge, said plurality of transverse layoutmembers being located in spaced relation with one another and eachhaving at least one straight layout edge oriented in 90° relation withsaid at least one straight edge, said straight layout edges of saidtransverse layout members being disposed in parallel relation anddefining equally spaced layout marking edges for marking the spacedlocations of the rectangular structural members of a building framework.14. The framing layout square device of claim 13, comprising: saidelongate positioning and measuring member and said transverse layoutmembers each being defined by elongate strips of substantially flatmaterial each defining substantially planar top and bottom surfaces; oneend portion of each of said transverse layout members being positionedin partially overlapping relation with said top surface of said elongatesubstantially straight positioning and measuring member with a portionof said bottom surface of said transverse layout members being inface-to-face contact with portions of said top surface of said elongatesubstantially straight positioning and measuring member; and at leastone connecting element extending through said overlapping portions ofsaid elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring memberand said transverse layout members and securing the same in fixedassembly.
 15. The framing layout square device of claim 13, comprising:said elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring memberand said transverse layout members being integral.
 16. The framinglayout square device of claim 13, comprising: said elongatesubstantially straight positioning and measuring member and saidtransverse layout members being interconnected by welding.
 17. Theframing layout square device of claim 13, comprising: said elongatesubstantially straight positioning and measuring member and saidtransverse layout members being molded of a substantially rigidmaterial.
 18. The framing layout square device of claim 13, comprising:said elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring memberhaving substantially planar top and bottom surfaces being disposed insubstantially parallel relation; and said plurality of transverse layoutmembers each having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces andbeing located above said at least one straight edge, with portions ofsaid planar bottom surfaces thereof being disposed in face-to-facerelation with portions of said planar top surfaces of said elongatesubstantially straight positioning and measuring member such that withsaid at least one straight edge in contact with a rectangular structuralmember of a building framework said plurality of transverse layoutmembers lie in face-to-face relation on a planar surface of therectangular structural member.
 19. The framing layout square device ofclaim 13, comprising: pivots connecting each of said transverse layoutmembers to said elongate substantially straight positioning andmeasuring member and permitting pivotal movement of said transverselayout members between a use positions oriented in substantially normalrelation with said elongate substantially straight positioning andmeasuring member and storage positions oriented in substantial alignmentwith said elongate substantially straight positioning and measuringmember; a first locking mechanism releasably securing each of saidtransverse layout members in substantially immovable relation with saidelongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member withsaid straight layout edges of said transverse layout members oriented in90° angular relation with said straight edge of said elongatesubstantially straight positioning and measuring member; and a secondlocking mechanism releasably securing each of said transverse layoutmembers in substantially aligned relation with said elongatesubstantially straight positioning and measuring member to permit easeand simplicity of storage and transportation of said framing layoutsquare device when not in use.
 20. A method for accomplishing spacinglayout of the rectangular structural members of a building frameworkwith a framing layout tool having an elongate positioning and measuringmember defining a straight positioning edge and having a plurality oftransverse layout members projecting laterally from one side of saidelongate positioning and measuring member and beyond said straightpositioning edge and each having top and bottom planar surfaces and eachdefining a straight layout marking edge oriented in 90° angular relationwith said straight positioning edge and with said straight marking edgesof said transverse layout members establishing layout spacing of thestructural members of the building framework, said method comprising:positioning said framing layout square device with said straight edge ofsaid elongate positioning and measuring member in contact with astraight edge of a rectangular framework member and with said pluralityof transverse layout members lying on and in face-to-face relation witha surface of the rectangular framework member and being oriented withsaid straight layout marking edges oriented in 90° angular relation theengaged straight edge of the rectangular framework member; running amarking device along said straight layout marking edge of each of saidtransverse layout members for making corresponding straight equallyspaced frame positioning marks on the rectangular framework member forsubsequent accurate spaced location of other rectangular frame membersrelative thereto; and Positioning and attaching building frame memberswith edges thereof in registry with the straight equally spacedpositioning marks.